How to Get Bartending Jobs
Bartending is a strange mix of technical skill and social aptitude. As a bartender, your job consists of taking drink orders, making a variety of drinks, counting money and, most importantly, interacting with customers. A successful bartender knows how to do more than simply get a drink right; she knows how to keep her customers engaged and create loyalty to the bar. If you are looking to land a job in this competitive field, there are a few things you will need to do in order to end up behind the bar.
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Instructions
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Learn to make drinks. Whether you do this on your own or at a bartending school does not really matter, but most bars will not train a bartender and will instead look for someone with experience. You should be able to make most of the common drinks you can expect to hear, such as martinis, margaritas and special shots.
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Get some experience in the service industry. When it comes to working as a bartender, experience is key. Spending some time working as a waiter is usually a good step into bartending, as it familiarizes you with taking orders and managing money.
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Visit bars in your area and ask about their bartender hiring process. Some places will put out an open call for new help, but a majority hire internally. If you can get a waiting position at the bar, you may be able to work your way up.
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Work as a barback for a bar. Barbacks are responsible for switching kegs, keeping the bar stocked, cutting fruit and a range of other barroom tasks. Many bars will allow you to start as a barback and progress to bartender once you have learned the ropes and proven your work ethic.
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Network with bartenders and bar owners whenever possible. A lot of bartending jobs are never listed on classified websites, and instead get filled through word of mouth. The more people you know in the industry, the better your odds.
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Show up for interviews on time and dressed for the bar in question. Bartending is a more casual job that many people have, but business owners still expect you to look the part and be punctual.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't overestimate your competition. Lots of experienced bartenders have bad habits and worse attitudes
Be confident and believe in yourself
Everything is easier with a plan. Use this one.
Really research the establishments you apply to. Knowing about there business always impresses a hiring manager
Practice making drinks at home
Don't be afraid to use colors and clip art on your cover letter and resume. Bartending jobs require personality, show that you have one.
Some bartending schools are good but most are scams. Do your due diligence and ask for references
Do not call an establishment during peak times like the lunch and dinner rush. You won't get who you need on the phone and it shows an ignorance of the business. Call between 2pm and 4:30pm. This is the dead time between lunch and dinner.
Be confident not arrogant. The world has plenty of cocky bartenders, do not become one of them.
References
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